Weariness & Worship: Fall On Your Knees

"Oh, holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices
Oh, night divine
Oh, night when Christ was born"

A weary world

Weary from tiring days and restless nights. Weary from heavy burdens. Weary of brokenness, pain, sickness, shame. Weary of violence and lies. Weary.

But a light breaks into our darkness
Our weariness and weakness remind us of our need for a Savior
In awe we wonder at a God who came to save

A baby wrapped in a manger
A thrill of hope

Jesus 

In dependence and in worship we fall to our knees.
In hope we rejoice in salvation that is here and salvation to come - a new and glorious morn!

May your hearts and home be filled with the goodness and glory of Jesus our Savior, who day by day shines light into our darkness and offers hope, joy and peace.

Merry Christmas!

Love,

The Poppen family

Christmas Classics: Music Makers Studio Holiday Recital

I have 19 children. Three of them I am lucky enough to have with me every day ;) but the rest of them come in and out of our home throughout the week. They make me laugh - a lot. They probably think I am crazy (and they are probably right). They stretch my creativity (and sometimes my patience) and are continually refining me as a teacher and musician. Sometimes I get to be a counselor too. And always a friend. I am blessed and honored to have them as my students! It has also been a blessing to be able to provide for my family while doing something I love. God is so good.

We had our Holiday Recital yesterday and I was overwhelmed by the blessing of having all of them in one room at the same time! I am proud of them all and their courage, hard work, and growth as musicians. I am also grateful for their wonderful supportive families who have become friends as well!

This was Isaiah's first recital. He may be a 4 year old with little fingers, but he has a great musical ear and strong sense of rhythm.  Good job buddy!

Zoë played piano and sang 3 lovely solos. I am so proud of her expressive piano playing and confident sweet voice! Zoë has developed strong note reading skills and quickly moved through the last of the primer books this fall. She played one of her recital songs out of the Level 1 Christmas book like it was a piece of cake! Excellent work, Zoë!

A Magical Day: Isabelle's Unicorn Party

Cousins, great aunts, a great uncle and a grandma gathered today to celebrate Isabelle's 1st birthday with unicorn party! We had a magical time smothering our precious little girl with love, attention and gifts galore. Happy 1st Birthday, sweet Isabelle!

The cousins made Unicorn Horns (dipped waffle cones for their ice cream and painted or colored beautiful unicorn pictures. We also had a "find the missing magical unicorn" game that got a little carried away when the kids did the hiding and the adults spent a good deal of time trying to find their very secret spot. :)

Zoë's coloring

Isaiah's painting

I need to have Isabelle paint one too!

She was just too busy being passed around. :)

Mesmerized by the candle

The aftermath

Zoë was SO excited for Isabelle's birthday! 

Thank you Auntie Gloria for hosting!

And thank you to all the family who came to celebrate 

and helped to make this such a special day!

Earlier this morning Isabelle was dedicated to God during our church service. We promised to love her, pray for her and point her to Jesus. We read Matthew 5:14-16 over her, a verse we chose for her before she was born when we decide to give her the middle name "Lucille" (light):

“You are the light of the world. 

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. 

Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 

 In the same way, let your light shine before others,

 that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Isabelle Lucille, you are a light in our lives and we pray that you would continue to be a light of joy as you grow. May you come to know the true Light - Jesus - and as your little feet learn to walk in this world, may your heart learn to walk in His light. We love you, Isabelle!

ONE: Happy Birthday Isabelle!

ONE

Brown eyed girl with a sweet smile

Sensitive soul with spirit and spunk

Fearless explorer with determination of steel

Tiny little troublemaker with a curious mind

Comedic entertainer with giggles and tricks

Tender cuddler with affectionate pats and hugs

Lovable. Delightful. Adorable. Joyful.

One year. What a year it has been!
Isabelle is in constant motion - crawling, climbing, standing, working on those steps. Her favorite pastimes are playing piano and all of the percussion instruments, blowing "raspberries", splashing in the toilet, touching the toilet cleaning brush, emptying the diaper bag, chewing on shoes, pulling out all everything in the kitchen cupboards, looking out the windows, and joining in on whatever her big siblings are up to.

Isabelle loves to clap and dance, points her little finger at everything, has started to wave and says "Ah-done" (all done). She loves to be tickled. She loves to make people laugh and her giggles are contagious. She is so wiggly it is almost impossible to change her diaper. She is not a huge fan of food. She is not a huge fan of sleep either. She is very intelligent and has an incredibly strong grip. Isabelle loves Violet - her purple puppy, her pacifier, her big sister (the most), Mommy (a close second) and Daddy and Isaiah (tied for third).

One year of Isabelle in pictures:

1 Week

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

ONE

Isabelle Lucille, you have brought so much life and laughter and love into our family this past year. You are such a gift to us. We love you beyond the moon - to the stars and back! 

Happy Birthday, Isabelle!